Transport Controller for Packet Switched Network Pseudo Wire Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pseudo wire emulation edge-to-edge (PWE3) techniques require a costly and arduous setup of layer-3 infrastructure, which is not necessary for layer-2 transport networks, making it difficult for service providers to efficiently support pseudo wires without significant protocol knowledge and infrastructure development.
Innovation Solution
A transport controller acquires topology information to generate a transport database that is distributed to intermediate nodes, enabling them to process data packets through pseudo wires without the need for a layer-3 infrastructure, using a packet-processing engine that classifies, polices, cross-connects, and encapsulates packets based on the database information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a layer-3 infrastructure is implemented to support pseudo wires, then pseudo wire functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A controller acts as an intermediary between the transport network and pseudo wire management functions. The controller receives pseudo wire setup requests, determines appropriate paths through the transport network, and configures intermediate nodes accordingly. This mediator approach allows pseudo wire support without requiring complex layer-3 infrastructure at each node, as the controller centralizes the intelligence needed for pseudo wire establishment and management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses label copying and replication to establish pseudo wires. Labels are copied and distributed to intermediate nodes along the path, enabling each node to forward packets based on these labels without needing full layer-3 routing intelligence. This copying mechanism simplifies the infrastructure by replacing complex routing protocols with simpler label-based forwarding.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a layer-3 infrastructure is implemented, then pseudo wire routing is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates due to required specialty knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated controller-based management. The controller automatically performs path determination, label allocation, and node configuration when receiving pseudo wire setup requests. This automation eliminates the need for manual configuration and reduces dependency on specialty protocol knowledge, as the controller handles the complex tasks independently based on high-level service requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as an intermediary that shields operators from complex layer-3 protocol details. Operators interact with the system through simplified interfaces, while the controller translates these into appropriate configuration commands for intermediate nodes. This intermediary layer abstracts away the complexity of protocol management, making the system easier to operate.
3Reliability
If separate networks are used for different services, then service reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple service types onto a single transport network using pseudo wires. Different services (ATM, Frame Relay, Ethernet) are encapsulated and transported over the same packet-switched infrastructure through dedicated pseudo wire paths. This consolidation reduces the need for separate physical networks while maintaining service isolation and reliability through logical segmentation using labels and path differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport network is segmented into multiple virtual paths through pseudo wires, each providing dedicated transport for specific services or customers. This logical segmentation allows multiple services to coexist on the same physical infrastructure while maintaining the reliability characteristics of separate networks, as each pseudo wire represents an isolated transport path.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique transfers data over a packet-switched network (PSN), comprising a plurality of intermediate nodes, in a manner that does not require that the intermediate nodes support a network layer infrastructure. A network controller coupled to the intermediate nodes acquires topology information associated with the PSN's topology. This information may include pseudo-wire definitions, ingress and egress interface information, ingress and egress labels, and so on. The network controller generates a transport database from the topology information and distributes the transport database to the intermediate nodes. An intermediate node acquires the transport database information and configures a packet-processing engine (PPE), contained within the intermediate node, to process packets acquired by the intermediate node.